People needs to be watched

[ozark]

I often drive my wife to doctors appointments or shopping. While she shops or takes care of business I normally just sit in our vehicle, listen to the radio rather than get the power chair off and go inside. I just sit and people watch and I find both old and young interesting. Most smile as they pass by but today a young lady I was watching was glad I had my eyes open. As she passed in front of my vehicle I noticed that she had a roll of bills stuck into the left front pocket of her slacks. It appeared to contain several bills but I couldn't tell the demonations. When she reached the entranceway to the hospital the bills fell to the concrete. I immediately pressed the horn button to get her attention. She, along with a couple others, took notice and I tried to tell her about the money but she couldn't understand. I motioned for her to come to me and she showed clearly that she didn't know me but did come close enough to hear my voice. "Your money has slipped out of your pocket and is laying by the door. I pointed toward the door. She looked and seen the roll of bills and went and picked them up. She hesitated for a long time before entering the building but never looked back at me. It was obvious that I had alarmed her by attracting her attention and when she learned the reason I guess she felt to dumb to carry the thing any further. By now she probably suspected that several were watching and wanted out of sight as quickly as possible. It is surprising how many people stop by my vehicle window just to visit. One day last week a man ask me if I knew my licences had been expired for three months. I visited the revenue office the next day and got that neglected item taken care of. Life is fun if we take the time to enjoy it.

[whyohe]

first off i commend you on your honesty and determination to let here know about her lost money. in todays society it is rare that some one would go to that extent to make sure some one got there money back, some would have just taken it and figured their loss is my gain. when i bend over in a grocery line to pick up what some one has dropped and they don't notice and i call to them i get the odd look, some of which as i am a big man i can be a bit intimidating, but when i give them what they dropped some are shocked and most are very appreciative, and some just say a quick thanks and quickly turn away like i imposed on them.

I'm also glad to hear you live in an area that people care like that to see and come to your car to make sure you are OK. i live in an area to where that kind of concern is a rare thing. most look and walk out and around and don't want to be bothered. My wife works for an insurance company and tells me what to us is appalling on how dishonest people are. i guess that is why i don't like most people and don't trust too many. I still try to be kind and courteous to people and the few that show appreciation make it worth while! maybe i live in the wrong time in society.

Ozark i think you would have made a great biologist. you have the natural observation qualities. id love to read a book you would write about human nature and societies effect on it. with you experience and observations i think it would be an interesting read.

[petev]

My attitudes toward people are the same as whyohe's. Here in a small town of 1700 if someone needs a hand, it is appreciated, and more or less expected, unless you want to get a negative reputation. But I went down to Connecticut Wednesday, near N.Y.C., and with all the traffic jams, rudeness and competition for the basics in life, I wonder if that form of civilization is much gain over ancient tribal life, so I am back in Deposit, which I guess is half-way between civilization and tribal life! Pete